I’ll tell you the truth. I’ve been trying to write this Monday Motivation, for two weeks. So, why haven’t you heard from me in two weeks? Well… Life. Whether it’s the perpetual demands of children, the lack of sleep, or the sheer exhaustion of being in my third trimester in the heat of summer – carving out time to write something of quality has felt impossible. And, to be honest, that breaks my heart. I love writing, I love transferring my life’s experiences into art that I get to share with you every week. The reality is, at this current place in my life, writing doesn’t get to be my priority. Several years ago, while attending a workshop led by one of my teachers, we were discussing what we thought was meant by the phrase, “life’s purpose.” One woman said something I’ll never forget; she suggested that our “purpose” is not one thing, but a mosaic of things assigned to us at different times in our lives. When we were children our ‘purpose’ may have been one or a few things – and as we aged and met those things, another purpose was added, and so on. As I look around at my life right now, my purpose is being my children’s mother. My purpose is also teaching by way of writing and coaching, and whipping up herbal concoctions - but the largest slice of my current purpose pie is motherhood, by far. The kicker about your purpose, is that it may not be your preference. I love working. I love researching and reading, writing and creating. If I could, I would do those things all day, every day. At the moment, however, I have a three-year-old climbing on my head, a six-year-old wanting me to recite animal habitats, and I’m weeks away from bringing another baby into this world… As author Glennon Doyle puts it, I am dripping with children. In the mosaic of our purposes, some feel better than others. Some may be uncomfortable at times, and come without glory and at great cost. They are, nonetheless, one of your assignments. Resisting only makes it more painful. Your only other option is to lean in, embrace it, and milk it for all you can. Maybe you’ll invent, discover, or create something you wouldn’t have otherwise. Maybe you’ll learn something crucial to heal your past or propel you forward. This week I invite you to join me in embracing our lives’ purposes. What does the mosaic of your purpose look like thus far? What is the biggest piece of your current purpose pie? How does that feel? Are you inspired by the thing you’re being called to do at this time, or are you struggling with accepting your assignment? Whatever the answer – it’s okay. We’re only human. There are days when I delight in my calling to be a mom, and there are days when I just want to be left. The hell. Alone. It’s all part of the journey. And, it’s all temporary. In time, this moment will pass. The assignment will be completed, and you’ll be called to serve in another way. Your mosaic of purpose will take on a new layer, and this one will be but a memory. So, no matter how difficult the task at hand may be, let’s show up for it. Let’s lean in, let’s take on this piece of purpose pie like it’s a piece of cake. Let’s delight in it as much as we can, ask for help when we need it, and embrace this fleeting moment. In the coming weeks and months, you may hear from me a little less than usual – but you’ll know why. And no matter what day my motivations land in your inbox, know that I’m thinking of you, writing for you, and preparing for my opportunity to connect with you again soon. Some parts of our purpose run like veins throughout our entire existence – and serving you is one of mine.
Have a wonderful week!
With love and gratitude,
Robin